Flow batteries have emerged as a commercial alternative that makes economic sense for certain application profiles. Additional development is still needed for flow batteries to be a mainstream energy storage technology. There are probably hundreds of research efforts worldwide. The following is a sampling of key areas of focus for flow battery research and development. […]
FAQ
Working with oscilloscope probes – Part 2
The oscilloscope can be viewed as essentially a voltmeter that incorporates a dynamic display. But the oscilloscope can also make use of a current probe to convert current information into corresponding voltage potentials displayed in units of Amperes. The current-to-voltage conversion takes place within the current probe which operates like the electrician’s clamp-on ammeter. The […]
Flow batteries – What can you use them for?
Flow batteries are suited for use in several application areas, including utility-scale energy storage, microgrids, renewables integration, backup power, and remote and off-grid power. Flow batteries are highly scalable, and their power and energy ratings can also be scaled independently. They have very little or no self-discharge current. Flow batteries have demonstrated cycle lives of […]
Basics of GPS receivers
The Global Positioning System (GPS) is the most widely used satellite navigation system around the world. It is one of the Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) that provides geolocation, time, and velocity information. GPS is operational since 1978 and globally available since 1994. The latest GPS receivers provide geolocation with an accuracy of 30 centimeters. […]
LVDT position sensor, Part 2: Characteristics
The linear variable differential transformer (LVDT) is a widely used, inherently rugged, linear-position sensor offering accurate and consistent performance over a wide span of distances. Part 1 of this FAQ looked at the basic operation of the LVDT. This part looks at some of its other performance attributes and characteristics. Q: What does an LVDT […]
How do flow batteries work?
The heart of a flow battery is a specially designed regenerative fuel cell module. A conventional regenerative fuel cell operates on the basis of a reversible electrolysis electrochemical process and can be either an open system (where water can be added, and hydrogen and oxygen removed) or a closed system. These electrolysis-based regenerative fuel cells […]
LVDT position sensor, Part 1: Basics and principles
The linear variable differential transformer (LVDT) is a widely used, inherently rugged, linear-position sensor offering accurate and consistent performance over a wide span of distances. Sensing of physical position is among the most commonly needed parameters in industrial, military/aerospace, robotics, scientific measurement, and control applications, and there are many sensors in use to accomplish this. […]
Memory centric computing and memory system architectures
This three-part FAQ series began by considering “Memory Basics – Volatile, Non-volatile and Persistent.” Part two looked at “Memory Technologies and Packaging Options.” Recently developed persistent memory technologies, three-dimensional packaging for memories, advanced multicore processors, demands to process larger and larger datasets and databases, and artificial intelligence are driving the emergence of a new category […]
Westinghouse and the fail-safe train air brake, Part 4: Post-Westinghouse
The story of Westinghouse Electric and affiliates does not end with its bankruptcy, but it does change dramatically. It is a twisting tale of getting into new markets, abandoning old ones, having some successes, and having some abysmal failures, which completely transformed what remained. A few of the many highlights and developments include: setting up […]
Memory technologies and packaging options
Solid-state memory devices are available in a wide variety of standard package styles that they have in common with other semiconductor devices, including DIP, TSSOP, DFN, WLCSP, and many others. And various packages are offered in plastic, glass, ceramic, and metal containing one or more devices. They are also available in hermetically-sealed packages and non-hermetic […]